Merlin quotes from Merlin

Merlin

You talk to Gaius, you can see the puncture wounds in Ewan's neck where the snake bit him. Ewan was beating him. He had to cheat.

Arthur

Valiant wouldn't dare use magic in Camelot.

Merlin

Ewan was pinned under Valiant's shield. No one could see the snake bite him.

Arthur

I don't like the guy but that doesn't mean he's cheating.

Merlin

Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom. When Ewan's conscious, he'll tell you what happened. If you fight Valiant in the final, he'll use the shield. It's the only way he can beat you. Look at it! Have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot? I know I'm just a servant and my word doesn't count for anything. I wouldn't lie to you.

Arthur

I want you to swear to me what you're telling me is true.

Merlin

I swear it's true.

Arthur

Then I believe you.

Uther

You have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?

Arthur

No. But my servant...

Uther

Your servant? You make these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?

Arthur

I believe he's telling the truth.

Knight Valiant

My lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?

Merlin

I've seen those snakes come alive!

Uther

How dare you interrupt! Guards!

Knight Valiant

My lord...

Uther

Wait.

Knight Valiant

I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account.

Uther

You see? This is how a true knight behaves. With gallantry and honour.

Knight Valiant

My lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal.

Uther

Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?

Arthur

No!

Uther

Then what am I to make of these allegations?

Arthur

Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology.

Arthur

I believed you. I trusted you and you made me look a complete fool.

Merlin

I know it didn't go exactly to plan...

Arthur

Didn't go to plan? My father and the entire Royal Court think I'm a coward. You humiliated me!

Merlin

We can still expose Valiant.

Arthur

I no longer require your services.

Merlin

You're sacking me?

Arthur

I need a servant I can trust.

Merlin

You can trust me!

Arthur

And look where it got me this time. Get out of my sight!

Arthur

I thought I told you to get out of my sight.

Merlin

Don't fight Valiant in the final tomorrow. He'll use the shield against you.

Arthur

I know.

Merlin

Then withdraw. You have to withdraw.

Arthur

Don't you understand? I can't withdraw. The people expect their prince to fight. How can I lead men into battle if they think I'm a coward?

Merlin

Valiant will kill you! You fight, you die.

Arthur

Then I die.

Merlin

How can you go out there and fight like that?

Arthur

Because I have to. It's my duty.

Gwen

Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic? (Merlin nods) What are you going to do?

Merlin

Why does everyone seem to think it's down to me to do something about it?

Gwen

Because it is! Isn't it? You have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong.

Merlin

Where are you? I just came to tell you, whatever you think my destiny is, whatever it is you think I'm supposed to do, you've got the wrong person! That's it. Goodbye.

The Great Dragon

If only it were so easy to escape one's destiny.

Merlin

How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me.

The Great Dragon

The half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon, you shall learn that.

Merlin

Oh, great. Just what I needed. Another riddle.

The Great Dragon

That your and Arthur's path lies together is but the truth.

Merlin

What is that supposed to mean?

The Great Dragon

You know, young warlock, this is not the end. It is the beginning.

Merlin

Just give me a straight answer!

Arthur

I wanted to say, I made a mistake. It was unfair to sack you.

Merlin

No, don't worry about it. Buy me a drink and we'll call it even.

Arthur

I can't really be seen to be buying drinks for my servant.

Merlin

Your servant? You sacked me.

Arthur

Now I'm rehiring you. My chambers are a complete mess. My clothes need washing, my armour needs repairing, my boots need cleaning, my dogs need exercising, my fireplace needs sweeping, my bed needs changing and someone needs to muck out my stables.

Morgana

Merlin, I wanted you to know your secret's safe with me.

Merlin

My secret?

Morgana

Come on. Don't pretend. I know what you did.

Merlin

You do?

Morgana

I saw it with my own eyes.

Merlin

You did?

Morgana

I understand why you don't want anyone to know.

Merlin

Well, obviously...

Morgana

I won't tell anyone. You don't mind me talking to you about it?

Merlin

No. It's... you have no idea how hard it is to keep this hidden.

Morgana

Well, you can continue to deny it but... I think Gwen's a very lucky woman.

Arthur

Tell Gaius my father wants to see him now.

Merlin

Gaius, I...

Gaius

I heard.

Merlin

Why could he just tell you himself?

Gaius

Because that's the way it is. You're a servant.

Merlin

If he knew who I was, what I've done...

Gaius

You'd be a dead servant.

Merlin

Look at him, Gaius. Does Lancelot not deserve this moment?

Gaius

I never said he didn't, but destiny and desserts are not the same thing. You played God, Merlin. You set him on a path of your choosing. Tonight might have brought him triumph but who knows what the future holds?

Merlin

Yeah. I don't know what it said on your invitation but on mine it said 'celebration'.

Merlin

You know what? I think our Sir Lancelot might have eyes for you, Gwen.

Gwen

Don't be silly.

Merlin

So what if he did? Would it really be so bad?

Gwen

He's not really my type.

Merlin

Oh, there's a surprise. Sometimes, Guinevere, I wonder if you'd know what your type was if it was standing right next to you.

Gwen

You're probably right.

Merlin

So, come on, just for the sake of argument. If you had to: Arthur or Lancelot?

Gwen

But I don't have to and I never will.

Merlin

You are no fun, Gwen.

Arthur

Grumant's the third to fail this month. How am I supposed to defend Camelot with rubbish like that?

Merlin

Well, I think I might be able to help.

Arthur

You? You haven't the faintest idea what it takes to be a knight. Courage. Fortitude. Discipline.

Merlin

No. No, of course I don't. But I do know someone who does.

Arthur

Yeah?

Merlin

He saved my life.

Arthur

That's blown it for starters.

Merlin

No, no. He's really good. Honestly.

Arthur

That's great, Merlin. I'm sure he's terrific but you forget the First Code of Camelot.

Merlin

The what?

Arthur

The First Code. Only those of noble blood can serve as knights. So, unless your friend is a nobleman...

Merlin

Oh, he is a nobleman.

Arthur

Is he?

Merlin

Absolutely.

Arthur

Very well, bring him to the training ground tomorrow and make sure he brings his seal of nobility.

Merlin

You're not a nobleman by any chance, are you?

Lancelot

A nobleman? No. Good lord, no. Why do you ask?

Merlin

It's just that...

Gaius

The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight. Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who would wish to destroy it. He knew that he would have to trust each of his knights with his life, so he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him.

Merlin

Nobility.

Gaius

And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day only the sons of noble families have served as knights.

Merlin

That is not fair!

Gaius

Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly I am.

Merlin

Why do you want to be a knight so much?

Lancelot

When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the Northern Plains. They were slaughtered where they stood. My father, my mother, everyone. I alone escaped. I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless against the face of tyranny. I made swordcraft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted to the art of combat. When I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now it seems my journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted.

Merlin

Hear my words. Whatever it takes, I will make this right.

Lancelot

Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking. I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land.

Merlin

Lancelot...

Lancelot

Yes?

Merlin

They are going to love you.

Lancelot

They are?

Merlin

Yes! I've seen you in action. You could shame the great Arthur himself.

Lancelot

I hardly think so.